should i buy a pre-loved bag?

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#31
LVlvoe_bug said:
Of course! I have bought the majority of my collection from Yoogis Closet and have purchased from them for a few years now..There is also a thread in the clubhouse about them and what members have purchased from them.....I have sold to but have not bought yet from Couture USA and they have a wonderful reputation and they are members here. Another is Ann's Fabulous Finds who also has an excellent reputation. I bought a vernis amarante alma pm from her among some other slgs. Any other questions, feel free to ask!:smile1:
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thanks lvlvoe_bug
 
#33
Every single bag in my collection is pre-loved. Many of which are in like new condition. Buying pre-loved has many perks. One being, avoiding tax. So many Louis Vuitton bags cost so much after tax. I also like pre-loved bags because some of them are just rich in character. Many are off put by patina, but I think patina is beautiful and adds character. Plus id rather have 3 like new pre-loved bags for the same price as 1 new wallet.
 
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#36
For me it really depends on the item and how much I can save by buying preloved. I can't resist a good deal! I always feel better about buying designer items (given the huge prices) at a discount and since LV never goes on sale preloved is the only option of getting a discount!
 
#38
Sure, but do your research on the reseller and try to get items authenticated. I have bought preloved, but only in person so I was able to inspect the items myself. I'm not scared of buying preloved online, but I would be extra cautious at the time of purchase and make sure that return policies are fair.
 
#40
It depends on what you are looking for: and I don't even mean a particular model.

Time for a long spiel. Ignore this if you care not for ramblings...

For example, I wasn't sure if the Speedy 25 was a good size and whether I could stand the hand-held carry or not. Instead of going straight-in with a new bag and using it (it's sort of like buying a new car...once you drive it off the lot, you lose a good chunk of its worth when you sell it, again) I try to find many cheaper alternatives to simulate the "problem" I am trying to solve. I tried over and over again to find a bag the exact size in all dimensions with a zipper-top that doesn't go down the sides (a la empreinte speedy) as the Speedy 25. Many cheap (I'm talking $20-$50 cheap) bags come close to the size but doesn't solve my exact problem: they tend to be much heavier, their linings tend to be loose from the exterior wall and loose linings irritate me to no end, the style is not quite the same, be shorter, not quite as deep, handles didn't have hinges or were floppy unrolled handles, etc etc. So, then, without plunking down 1500USD for a Speedy 25 Bandouliere just to check the size, strap, vachetta vs treated leather etc etc, I ran my experiment on a preloved Speedy. This would be the only reason I'd get a model that is still in production. I bought a monogram canvas Speedy 25 (classic style) and a vachetta strap used on eBay from one of the reputable Japanese sellers. I spent $270+$130 on two items that will last many years to come, is already soft (the strap), and I can beat up and scratch up against my stucco wall (I often run up against it while trying to walk along the side of my garage) without caring because I spent so little on it. The $270 on the bag would have easily been what I would have lost selling back a bandouliere bag that I possibly wouldn't have liked. And with that amount spent and time spent researching, I also got to figure out many other points:
1) I am not particularly fond of super dark handles,
2) I am not fond of handles that have darkened to any extent only in the middle,
3) I don't like cracked/dry leather,
4) monogram canvas bags are easier to find used much cheaper instead of azur and de,
5) I do not like used azur bags because I have seen far too too too many of these with yellowed canvas,
6) the 25 is a good size for my own belongings but is a hassle when I add my kid's belongings,
7) the little pocket in the Speedy is acceptable to me,
8) epi leather on bags can crease badly in the cross-grain direction and also rub off at the edges in a visually displeasing manner,
9) the classic Speedy with strap method of faking a bandouliere gets irritating when the bag twirls around or when I have to open the last 1/3 of the zipper,
10) I only like to use the top-handles when stepping out of the car and have to pull the bag out of the car after which I switch to the shoulder strap,
11) but, I don't dislike this combination enough to stop using it
etc.

I think it was a great experiment/learning experience that I didn't spend additional money on. On the other hand, I later bought a new Speedy Bandouliere 30 in DE from the LV website for when I need to tote my kid's stuff with me. I learned more things from having THAT one that I couldn't learn from the 25/strap combo (i.e. the newer zippers and the zipper on the 30 size is annoying to zip up, longer size makes part of the bag fold a bit if I don't fill up both ends of the bag with items/clothes, the treated leather will still chip, DE leather strap is not as convenient to fold/pool around the bag when putting it down, etc.)

I think I would buy used (for a model in production) like this, again, only for the delightful and neverfull -- I hate open top bags, normally, and would have to test that out.

On a side note: I got my MIL a preloved Speedy 30 (classic) in monogram and azur both in like new/excellent condition from Fashionphile and Yoogi's. I saw no reason to spend more when I could get 2 bags for a little more than the price of 1.
 
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#41
For me, it came down to money. I've bought all of my bags new but today I bought my first pre-loved bag, a Speedy 25. I had a certain amount of money to spend on bags after selling 2 of mine earlier this year. With that money, I could have gotten a Speedy B 25 new, or the pre-loved Speedy plus an Eva clutch, which I've wanted for awhile. Since I already have a Speedy B 25 in DE, and a Turenne PM, which functionally is similar to Speedy B, I decided to go with classic Speedy this time. I wanted a bag that already had some patina - I love a broken-in Speedy! I plan to use this bag with no worries! GLD. It's a pretty personal decision and one you have to think about depending on your funds and what you already own. And any issues you might have with owning something pre-used.
 
#43
So, so many threads on this topic. Do a search for more feedback.

If you are new to LV you should probably just buy from the boutique. Consignment stores are good for new buyers who don't know how to tell what an authentic bag looks like. That's the premium you are paying for, along with the return policy.

It's really a matter of personal preference. Some find buying preloved more fun because you get the "thrill" of the hunt and getting a great deal. With the money you save you can buy more items.
 
#44
I agree with many others when they say, "It depends."

Personally, I wouldn't buy a pre-loved bag with vachetta leather because to me they often don't look to be in good shape.

Also, I would be cautious on where you're buying it from. I have bought from Yoogi's Closet and Fashionphile. They offer a lot of photos and seem to be good at rating the quality of their items. They also each have good return policies.

For some items, I know it is better to buy it new from the boutique because it is extremely limited and may be harder to get at a better price in the future.

If it is your first LV, I would say buy one new...there is something about going in to the boutique and browsing and feeling them and trying them on, and then walking out with that box and shopping bag. After that, it's game on for buying "pre-loved."

But that's my opinion. :-)
 
#45
Thank you for opening this thread.

Now that I feel like I'm finally financially stable (after buying a house, getting married, having a baby, setting aside some savings for retirement/ bb's education, etc. etc.) I was asking myself the same question - "Now that I can look for my ultimate handbag...but do I splurge to buy new or pre-loved?".

For me the practicallity of prelove is winning. Similar to some of the replies from others, I like:
  • searching for a deal on "like new" items
  • looking at discontinued items (which I probably eye'd forever and a day in the past)
  • not having to cry at the sight of it's first scuff

Buying new has it's perks too, i.e. the boutique experience, and ultimately I think it really boils down to what you prefer most.

Good luck in your search and either way happy shopping :smile1:
 
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